We are a dedicated group of veterinary specialists practicing cardiology with locations in Scottsdale, AZ. We understand that your pet is an integral member of your family and as a result we are devoted to practicing compassionate and contemporary medicine. We treat your pet like they are one of our own using the latest technology for an exceptional care experience.
in Scottsdale, AZ
Diagnosing cardiac conditions with expertise and compassion provides exceptional care for pets with heart conditions.
DVM, DACVIM
DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Emery Jones is a skilled veterinary professional with extensive training and expertise in small animal medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona before going on to achieve her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (Cum Laude) from Kansas State University. Dr. Jones further honed her skills through a small animal rotating internship at Texas A&M, a specialty internship at Memphis Veterinary Specialists, and a Small Animal Internal Medicine residency at the University of Florida.
Her professional interests lie in gastroenterology, immune-mediated diseases, and infectious diseases, where she has developed a strong reputation for her knowledge and dedication to her field. Originally from the Tempe area, Dr. Jones was thrilled to return home after several years of advanced training. Before pursuing her veterinary career, she spent time working on a sheep farm in coastal Oregon—a formative experience that ultimately confirmed her decision not to pursue farming sheep.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Jones is passionate about traveling, cooking, and reading. She is also a dedicated supporter of the Wildcats, cheering for both the University of Arizona and Kansas State University. Dr. Jones shares her life with a Husky mix, affectionately known as her “Tennessee Road Dog,” a nod to the dog’s origins where she was found in Tennessee.
DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACLAM
Dr. Angie Mexas graduated from Colorado State University with a DVM and BS in Microbiology. She completed two small animal rotation internships including one at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, MA. She continued her training at North Carolina State University for small animal internal medicine and a PhD in Immunology.
She returned to Arizona in 2014. Her areas of most interest include immune medication and infections of dogs and cats. She continues to practice, teach and do research. She also shares her home with four cats.
Dr. Riensche grew up in Iowa where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2004 and is board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. After graduation she completed a one-year rotating internship at VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona, followed by a residency at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She is one of three partners in Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists. She has particular interests in nephrology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, respiratory medicine, and endocrine diseases. She shares her home with her husband Bryan, son RJ, Monroe her Lab-Dane mix, Mercedes a Spaniel-Poodle mix, and cat named Fan Belt. In her spare time she enjoys sharing a comfy spot with her pets while reading, hiking and biking, interior decorating, and art projects. She is a past president of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and remains active by being a member of their advisory board and the independent business owners committee.
DVM, MS, DACVR
DVM, DACVR
Dr. Heffelman is a native of Colorado and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University, where she quickly discovered her love for all things in radiology. After graduation in 2004, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at a private practice in Colorado followed by an additional year in private practice as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Heffelman then completed a diagnostic imaging residency at Michigan State University in 2009, and became board certified that year. She and her husband moved back to the West for the mountains, sun, and great climate. She was excited to join Arizona Veterinary Specialists and, soon thereafter, to become a partner in Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists. Her special areas of interest include abdominal ultrasound and CT. She lives with her husband Richard, a Labrador named Gauge, a Welsh Corgi named Matilda, and a Chihuahua named Wiley, and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, movies, hiking, and enjoying all that Arizona and the southwest has to offer!
DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Whit M. Church earned his DVM degree from Oregon State University in 2002. After graduation he completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Cornell University. He then completed his cardiology residency at both the University of Illinois and the University of Pennsylvania. He moved from Philadelphia to Arizona and started Desert Veterinary Medical Specialists in the Phoenix Valley. He has also served as adjunct faculty at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has lectured at numerous veterinary schools and national veterinary conferences, and is a founding member of the Cardiac Education Group. Dr. Church is board certified with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Subspecialty Cardiology. His special areas of interest include infectious and neoplastic pericardial diseases, and interventional cardiovascular procedures.
DVM, Cardiology Resident
DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
DVM, Cardiology Resident
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